Using MKV for editing?

[cosmicviolet.livejournal.com]

Hi everyone, I hope this is not too stupid a question. For a while now, I've wanted to make vids and I'm finally getting around to it. I've done a lot of research on what software works best, what formats to use, etc. I came across this guide that suggests formatting MKV files as MJPEG AVI for editing, but doesn't really explain why (further Googling says it has something to do with MJPEG being relatively lossless?). As the information seems dated, I'm wondering if this is still the standard way of doing things, or is there a more efficient codec to use? Or even, why can't I just dump the MKV file right into my editor if it accepts it and start working? I understand that I need to use as high quality footage as possible, so is it just a matter of quality retention or is it something else? Just trying to make sense of which direcion I should go in, with as few steps along the way as necessary. Thanks.

Comments

Vidding tech *runs*

[amnisias.livejournal.com]

This is a complicated questions with many variables and different answers. MKV --> MJPEG is definately a way to go, but there are many others. Firstly, you need to check out your editor (you don't say what you're planning to use, or whether you've decided yet. Once you know what formats your editor loves, just about copes with and just does not play with this will influence what codec you use. You also need to consider your computer, vidding in lossless, requires much more storage space, and unless your machine has the power, editing and rendering can become very sluggish or lead to freezing. It also depends on the source, e.g. if you've got the DVD ripping to VOB/avi and using that is the simplest way, whereas d/l mostly come as mp4 or mkv nowadays. Then there is the question of what do you want to do with the vid after. If it's for d/l you might have size limitations, streaming services have different ways of converting files online, and conventions often like dvd file pairs.

Personally, I have 2 or 3 workstreams that I use depending on above factors (d/l HDTV mkv to huffyuv lossless and DVD to VOB/avi). My advice if you are starting out is to keep the tech as simple as possible use what you've got, convert it to something that your edtior likes and plays with well and just get started and have fun. You'll learn on the job, so to speak, and if you make it too complicated to start with you might talk yourself out of a great hobby....